
The SANE program exists across Nova Scotia to provide support for anyone (all ages and genders) who has experienced sexualized violence in the last seven (7) days. SANE services are supportive, nonjudgmental and confidential. SANE care can be provided to you by doing one of the following:
- Go to any open emergency department. At those centers where SANE Program response is provided, the staff will call the SANE. These hospitals are: Valley Regional Hospital (Kentville), Yarmouth Regional Hospital (Yarmouth), South Shore Regional Hospital (Bridgewater), Roseway Hospital (Shelburne), Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital (Lunenburg), Digby Hospital (Digby) and Soldier’s Memorial Hospital (Middleton). At other locations, staff will coordinate care or provide information regarding the nearest SANE response site.
- Call local police or RCMP
- Through your primary health care provider
- Call the SANE 24 hour response line for the Western Zone at 1-833-577-SANE (7263)
- SANEs are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All SANEs are registered nurses who have advanced training in forensic examinations and support of sexual assault survivors/victims.
Physical exams and/or forensic evidence collection through the SANE program is only conducted with the victim/survivor’s consent, and evidence is not released to the police without consent.
Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. SANEs promote the right of victims/survivors to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.